Search form

You are here

Commentary

Who could have guessed that cruise ships might be largely responsible for restoring Texans’ longstanding boasts? Our superiority claims haven’t been the same since Alaska became a state in 1959. Upon becoming the 49th state, Alaskans seized “bragging rights” on biggest/tallest/grandest topics formerly claimed by Texans. We may also have been loudest, too— some contend we still are—but the enormity of “things Alaskan” has reduced our boasts to a wheeze. After all, whimpering about how we’d take over top spots again when Alaska had a big thaw has a “broken record” sound after a few years. Seems like Texans’ post- Alaska claims have been everdwindling— too often qualified by the word “IF”—as boasts spiral downward….

Most people today have never experienced caring for a child with measles. Measles is very contagious and very dangerous for babies and young children—28% must be hospitalized. Even two hours after an infected person leaves a room, you can catch measles just being in that room! Possible complications include pneumonia, lifelong brain damage, deafness and even death. As a result, the American Academyof Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommend children receive all vaccines, including the Measles-Mumps- Rubella (MMR) shot, according to the recommended schedule.

AUSTIN — On Feb. 17, Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his first State of the State address during a joint session of the Texas House and Senate and released his recommendations for the two-year 2016-2017 state budget. In his 43-page Governor’s Budget document, Abbott said he aims to: “Constrain the size and growth of government. Reduce agency spending. Suspend, reduce, and eliminate unnecessary taxes and fees. Ensure government supports job creation and is accountable and transparent.”

I am tempted to “wax Churchillian” in describing Jim Hogan. He’s a man who raised eyebrows in Texas with his strong—albeit unconventional—campaign that resulted in a strong runner-up finish in the recent Commissioner of Agriculture election.

Sheriff Gary Maddox has released a report on the activities of the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office from Feb. 6 through Feb. 15, 2015. As of Friday morning, Feb. 12, there were 54 inmates in the Lamb County Jail. Jailers served 916meals to inmates during the past week.

Abbott joins other governors in urging against veto AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 12 announced he had joined a coalition of 24 governors in signing and sending a letter to President Obama that urges the nation’s chief executive “to reconsider his threat” to veto legislation approving the Keystone XL pipeline. “With one stroke of a pen, you have the power to give thousands of Americans the shot at a goodpaying job that will help them providefor their families and get ahead in a tight economy,” the letter says.

Diego learned this week that he should never, ever, ever enjoy any type of punishment we impose on him. Ever. Last week my son brought home his third six weeks report card from school. Diego has been a straight A student this entire school year, up until this last three-week report. Everyday after Jessica picks up the kids from school, she comes by the office. The kids run in and give me a hug, then search my office and the entire building for candy. Grata keeps our snacks in the safe, and that’s usually the kid’s second stop.

Last week, the Senate Finance Committee began groundwork for its budget-writing duties with public hearings on four consecutive days. Led by Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Grapevine, the 15-member panel heard testimony from the offices of the governor, comptroller and attorney general. Input also was received on state pension funds, courts and payments on state debt. Currently, the budget is an estimated $4.5 billion for all of those “general government” functions and an increase of $200 million has been proposed for 2016- 2017.

Well, they did it again. My telling you this probably makes Jessica and me look bad, but since I tell you everything else about my family, why not tell you more. Emma and Clarissa decided it was time for a haircut and they weren’t going to wait on us...again. The last time these two did this, I was at a basketball game and Jessica called me and told me what had happened. Just like last time, Jessica called while I was at a basketball game and told me Princess 1 and Princess 2 channeled their inner Beauticians and went to work.